Environmental Engineer Jobs in Santa Ana, CA

Santa Ana, California$117,150 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Environmental Engineer Jobs in Santa Ana

Looking for a Environmental Engineer job in Santa Ana? You're in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about working as a Environmental Engineer in Santa Ana, CA.

We'll show you what you can expect to earn. We'll also share which companies are hiring. Plus, you'll learn about the cost of living and how to get started in your job search.

Santa Ana has a strong job market for Environmental Engineers. Many employers are actively looking for talent. Read on to learn how to land your next role.

Environmental Engineer Salary in Santa Ana

Entry Level
$78,455
Median
$117,150
Senior Level
$163,300

Environmental Engineer salaries in Santa Ana are 42% above the national average, reflecting the high cost of living.

Purchasing power in Santa Ana is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

Environmental RegulationsWater TreatmentRemediationSustainabilityData Analysis

Environmental Engineer Job Market in Santa Ana

Santa Ana, CA is a growing job market with increasing opportunities for Environmental Engineer professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Santa Ana offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. While Government leads the local economy, there's growing demand for Environmental Engineer roles across various sectors. The market for Environmental Engineer positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Environmental Engineers in Santa Ana

Local governmentRegional employersNational companies

Major employers hiring Environmental Engineers in Santa Ana include Local government, Regional employers, National companies. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Environmental Engineers in Santa Ana

Living in Santa Ana as a Environmental Engineer means navigating a cost of living that's significantly above the national average (142% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. At median Environmental Engineer salary, housing is quite affordable at 18% of gross income, leaving room for savings and lifestyle spending. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

142
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.8K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 3
Market Size

Commuting as a Environmental Engineer in Santa Ana

Santa Ana Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for Environmental Engineers in Santa Ana: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Environmental Engineer professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in California

California has relatively high state income taxes. A Environmental Engineer earning $117,150 might pay approximately $9,372 in state income tax. However, California's strong job market and quality of life often offset the higher tax burden.

Career Outlook for Environmental Engineers

The job outlook for Environmental Engineers in Santa Ana is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. While the market is smaller, Santa Ana offers opportunities for those seeking specialized roles or better work-life balance. In-demand skills include Environmental Regulations, Water Treatment, Remediation, Sustainability.

Relocating to Santa Ana

California has higher state income taxes. Factor this into salary negotiations, as gross salary comparisons can be misleading.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Environmental Engineer salary in Santa Ana, CA?

The average Environmental Engineer salary in Santa Ana, CA is $117,150 per year. Entry-level Environmental Engineers typically start around $78,455, while experienced professionals can earn $163,300 or more. The national average for Environmental Engineer roles is $82,500.

How many Environmental Engineer jobs are available in Santa Ana?

Santa Ana has a growing job market with steady opportunities for Environmental Engineer professionals. Major employers hiring Environmental Engineers include Local government, Regional employers, National companies. The Government and Healthcare sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Santa Ana a good city for Environmental Engineers?

Santa Ana is an solid choice for Environmental Engineers. While not as large as coastal metros, it offers solid opportunities and often better work-life balance. However, be aware of the higher cost of living when evaluating offers. The city's government industry creates strong demand for engineering professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Environmental Engineers in Santa Ana?

Top skills for Environmental Engineers in Santa Ana include Environmental Regulations, Water Treatment, Remediation, Sustainability, Data Analysis. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Environmental Engineers in Santa Ana?

Santa Ana's cost of living is significantly above the national average (142% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Purchasing power in Santa Ana is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Environmental Engineers in Santa Ana?

Santa Ana Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

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